Alabama has instituted procedures and requirements for erecting billboards
Alabama has instituted procedures and requirements for erecting outdoor billboards. The Alabama legislature recognizes the rights of advertisers to market their products and services through the use of billboards. At the same time, they also recognize the right of the public to have the opportunity to drive throughout the state without feeling overwhelmed by the proliferation of billboards.
Location
Individuals, companies, organizations, institutions or even municipalities in Alabama may only erect billboards in zoned commercial, business or industrial areas or in areas that conform to the requirements of the Highway Beautification Act of 1972. Signs erected before the 1975 Procedure and Requirements for Outdoor Advertising law came into effect in Alabama may remain, but no one may perform any maintenance or service on them.
Billboards may not stand where they obstruct traffic signs or a driver's view of traffic.
The Alabama Department of Transportation (DOT) will not approve billboards which use natural objects (trees, stones) as support.
Individuals may not erect billboards in rest areas, scenic areas or park lands.
Obtaining a Permit
Anyone wishing to erect a billboard in Alabama must submit a written request to the Alabama Department of Transportation (DOT). Once approval has been granted, the applicant must erect the sign within 12 months of the date of approval.
Content
The Alabama Department of Transportation will not approve billboards that advertise illegal products or activities or that promote an obsolete message.
Billboards may identify an attraction or activity and provide directional information to help a traveler locate the attraction (mileage, route or exit numbers, etc). Billboards may not include descriptive words, pictures or photographs.
Billboard Size
The Alabama DOT limits billboard size to a maximum area of 150 square feet, a maximum height of 20 feet and a maximum length of 20 feet.
Maintenance of Alabama Billboards
Billboard owners bear responsibility for maintaining the billboards that they erect and ensuring that they do not pose a hazard to the public. This includes local governments who have erected official billboards.
The Maintenance Bureau of the Alabama DOT will enforce all procedures and requirements related to erecting and maintaining billboards in Alabama. The Maintenance Bureau will trim vegetation around billboards to ensure their visibility.
Tags: Alabama Department, Alabama Department Transportation, billboards Alabama, Department Transportation, procedures requirements
